The Football Faithful
·17 November 2024
The Football Faithful
·17 November 2024
France face Italy in one of European football’s most glamorous fixtures this evening, as the teams battle it out for top spot in their Nations League group.
Both teams have already secured their place in the quarter-finals and who progresses as group winners is on the line at the San Siro.
France must win by a two-goal margin in Milan to take top spot, against an Italy side who are unbeaten in the Nations League and secured an impressive 3-1 win in Paris on matchday one.
Didier Deschamps is without Kylian Mbappe after the Real Madrid striker was left out of the squad, though Les Bleus retain one of the most talented squads in international football. Deschamps is aiming to lead France to a second Nations League title, after success in 2021.
France laboured to a goalless draw with Israel last time out but possess a forward line in fine form for their respective club sides. Bradley Barcola is the leading scorer in Ligue 1 this season, while Marcus Thuram and Michael Olise have started the season in strong form.
Alongside Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele is among the high-profile absentees for France. Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is also out.
France predicted XI: Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Saliba, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot, Zaire-Emery; Olise Barcola, Thuram.
Italy host France at the San Siro on Sunday 17th November 2024. Kick-off in the Nations League clash is 19:45 GMT.
Italy vs France will be shown on Viaplay International YouTube channel.